Fault-tolerant nonlinear control framework for an aircraft thrust vectored system

Smarter, Safer Aircraft: Teaching Planes to Handle the Unexpected. Modern stealth aircraft with no tail fins are highly efficient but difficult to steer, especially when parts fail or turbulence strikes. This research develops a smart control system for such aircraft that uses thrust from the engines themselves to maintain stability. Like a pilot who anticipates gusts before they hit, the system predicts disturbances and adjusts in real time. Crucially, it keeps the aircraft flying safely even when mechanical faults occur, without needing prior knowledge of how severe the damage is. This work brings next-generation aircraft one step closer to being practical, reliable, and safe in the real world.